Gov. Abbott Threatens Texas House Democrats Over Fleeing

The move aimed to halt all legislative activity for the remainder of the special session scheduled to end this month.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott threatened state House Democrats Sunday.

Sunday afternoon, over 50 Democrats left the state so the Texas House would not have the number of lawmakers needed to consider and pass a certain legislation under chamber rules.

The move aimed to halt all legislative activity for the remainder of the special session scheduled to end this month.

The Democrats are hoping to stop the passage of a new congressional map, drawn at the direction of President Trump, that could net five additional seats for Republicans in the 2026 midterms.

Abbott informed the Democrats that he would attempt to have them removed from office if they do not return to Austin to pass the proposed new congressional maps. He added that they could face felony charges for fundraising to pay the $500 fine they will each accrue every day they refuse to return during the session.